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Kern County Board adopts K—6 dyslexia screening (Amira) for alternative education programs
Summary
The Kern County Board approved adopting Amira as the required kindergarten-through-second-grade screening tool for risk of reading difficulties for court and community schools (alternative education). Staff said Valley Oaks will use the same assessment so shared assessment teams can accommodate any K—2 students who enroll.
The Kern County Board of Education voted to adopt Amira as the county office—s approved K—2 assessment to screen for risk of reading difficulties, a new statewide requirement for local educational agencies.
Molly Mears, a director in KCSOS—s Alternative Education Program, recommended adoption and told trustees the requirement applies to all LEAs and that KCSOS is adopting Amira so it mirrors the assessment the Valley Oaks program will use. "I recommend that tonight you adopt Amira as your assessment for risk of reading difficulties," Mears said.
Mears explained the screening targets students in kindergarten through second grade to identify early indicators of reading difficulty so instructional accommodations and interventions can be provided at an earlier age. Board members asked why the screening applies only through second grade; staff replied that the state—s screening focus has shifted earlier and the assessment is a universal screening to flag students who need further diagnostic evaluation.
Staff noted the county currently shares an assessment team that serves both Valley Oaks and the County—s Alternative Education programs; that team will be trained to administer Amira for the programs if a child of that age enrolls. The presentation explained that local practices determine how and when results are shared with parents; staff said those details vary by district but that assessment results would be made available to parents.
Motion to adopt Amira for K—2 screening was moved and seconded and passed (no opposition recorded on the meeting record).
